For those interested in purchasing a cutter, I have a very strong preference for the Klic-N-Kut machines because of their broad range of functionality and applicability. In two words: KNK ROCKS! If you are interested in a KNK or other die cutting machine, please contact me for a referral to a qualified dealer (please indicate in your email where you live):
Currently, I sell software, videos, and phone classes covering Make-The-Cut, KNK Studio, ACS Design Studio, and KNK Studio GE. Please visit my store for pricing.
Sandy, been watching your videos and looking at your site. I’m currently doing rhinestones but having no cutter I’m depending on a few of my friends. Course the problem is I can’t spend the time perfecting my skills because of limited access time to the machines. I really would like to get a desktop machine, but mostly for developing my skills (advanced skills, I can do the simple stuff). Would the Craft Robo work? Or do I need to be in the $1100-$1500 range?
I think your best choice is right in-between… the Groove-E. The Craft Robo is quite slow and known to pause during cutting long projects to cool off. Also, the software that comes with the CR can’t do rhinestone patterns, thus you would want to at least purchase KNK Studio GE with the CR, thus you’re spending a minimum of $388 for a system. The Groove-E is $599 and offers a LOT more. The software you need is included and you get a machine that is several times faster (at the speed you would cut your patterns), has 4 times the maximum cutting force, and can cut up to 13″ in width whereas the CR is limited to 8″. This allows you the option of cutting a wider range of materials, such as the iron-on transfer that often accompanies rhinestone designing on T-shirts.
I am looking at the groove e and also cr and silohett, my ? Is with the groove does it do rhinestones and laser engraving as the other two claim to do. My other ? is, is it the cutters a better prduct according to the pricing. Thanks for what ever help you have to offer.
Hi Valerie,
The CR and Silhouette do not do laser engraving. In fact, they cannot engrave at all because they are low force machines (maximum cutting force of ~200 – 230g). The Groove-E has almost 5 times more cutting force with a maximum rating of 950g. It can engrave using the engraving tool, sold separately.
All three can cut rhinestone rubber for making templates, however the CR and Silh do not come with rhinestone designing software, whereas the Groove-e comes with KNK Studio which is superb for rhinestone design.
You can purchase KNK Studio GE, a software package for the CR and Silhouette which will allow you to design and cut rhinestone patterns, so definitely keep that in mind.
Also important: the Groove-E cut up materials up to 13″ wide whereas the CR and Silhouette are limited to 8″ wide cutting.
If you have more questions, feel free to email me at smccauley45@cox.net.
I am new to all of this die-cutting stuff and completely lost! I am needing a machine that will cut fabric appliques and do rhinestones. I don’t want to spend a ton of money. I need something that will let me design my own appliques and cut what I want along with welding the letters together. The machine will never be used for paper! I bought a cricut expressions and haven’t taken it out of the box because I’m not sure it will do what I want it to do. I know if I keep it I will buy the SCAL program. I’ve seen alot of info on the funtime deluxe program, does that work with either the cricut or the SCAL program? Or does the SCAL program do the rhinestones? See I told you I was lost! Please help!
Melisa, I have LOTS of customers who have never used their Klic-N-Kut to cut paper. That’s what is so terrific about these cutters – you can use them to cut a wide range of materials, as you can see in my photo gallery.
Funtime doesn’t work well with SCAL because it doesn’t export in SVG format, which is the only other format that SCAL will import. You would need to use an intermediary program to convert the file format. On the other hand, KNK Studio GE will perform rhinestone designing and it DOES export in SVG.
Since you are also interested in cutting appliques, however, I would again recommend the KNK because we sell a fabric blade that works really well in cutting a variety of fabric types. Also, with fabric, you need the ability to adjust settings for this blade, compared to the blades used to cut other materials and that kind of ability is not programmed into SCAL or Cricut’s own software. AND, cutting fabric works better at a higher speed than what the Cricut can provide. So, think about looking into one of the KNK models so that you can start with a machine designed for your specific applications. Feel free to email me privately if you have more questions. : )
I’m considering getting a KNK 15″ or 24″ to use to make custom invitations. How fast do these cut when I’m to do say a batch of 100..I know it would depend on how intricate but I’m trying to get a sense if these machine can be used to make a quantity of cuts that can be expensive to get done professionally. One example would be cutting out a decorative box (and scoring the folds if possible). And besides the size of cutting area, is there any difference between the 15″ and 24″? thanks!
One other quick question..If I have a printed design from my inkjet that I need to cut out, can the cutter be exact enough when not using a solid colored paper.
Sorry I missed seeing these posts, Michelle! I was out of town last weekend.
You could probably cut a batch of 100 in a single day. I recommend having 3 mats so that you can be removing one cut item from one mat, while the second mat is in the machine cutting and a third mat is waiting with fresh paper/cardstock attached. As you mentioned, the amount of time depends on the intricacy of the cut. Also, that mats are large enough to hold more than one invitation, so you could probably cut two at one time to also save on time.
Regarding print and cuts, we normally recommend you print from our software so that you’ll have printed registration marks for the jogging process. However, there are other techniques one can use if you need to pre-print your invitations from another program before cutting.
I am looking for a cutter to cut backed fabrics for machine embroidery. Would the KNK Groove-E work for this?
My embroidery machine uses DST format will this work on the KNKs?
Thanks
What is the Groove-E. What does it cost to get everything you need for it including the engraving tool. THanks.
The Groove-E is our 13″ wide KNK… click on the Comparisons tab here and you’ll be able to see how it measures up next to the Maxx models. It’s a terrific value!
Sharon, Sorry I missed seeing post!
Yes… the Groove-E will work great for fabrics using our fabric blade.
Our software doesn’t import DST files. Check to see if you can save or export in other formats. One of my customers can use .PLT in her embroidery software and that format DOES import into KNK Studio and then you only need to delete the zigzag lines to end up with the original shape for cutting. Very easy!
is there a knk groove and a groove E? If so, whats the differnce?
The easiest answer is to have a look at this comparison chart:
http://www.iloveknk.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/KNKComparisonChart.jpg
Note one more important difference: The Groove cannot perform print and cuts using the 3 point registration method in KNK Studio. You need a Groove-E or Maxx model to use that.
I am interested in buying one og your machines. Will it work with gimp and/or inkscape?
I am interested in buying one of your machines. Will it also work on gimp and/or inscape?
It won’t cut directly from Inkscape, however you can export your files as DXF or EPS and import into our KNK Studio to cut your images. You can usually also just copy/paste the images from one to the other, as well.
Sandy: Please e-mail me the information as to what I need to start making templates with your 24 inch machine . Please include cost of machine, software, cost of material used to make the templates and any other suggestions you may have. I will probably also want the engraving tool for the machine. Please send asap. ed
Sandy as you can probably see I am not very knowledgeable so far as the computer goes. thank god for smart friends, kids, and grandkids. Don’t know if my first message went through or not so I will try again. I need information on cost of 24 inch maxx, I want to be able to make rhinestone templates and to engrave on medal for trophies and plaques.Need you to suggest the best material to use for templates. Will your machine use studio ge or suntine 210 or does it come with its own software? Please get information to me asap.
Hi Edwin,
Yes, I will email you all of the information. I will need your zip code if you want a shipping quote. The 24″ Maxx will come with its own software. You have a choice of two software packages. Since you will be doing engraving AND rhinestone design, you might prefer the ACS package which provides a Hatch Fill feature and 10 rhinestone fonts. You can compare the packages in the second chart under the Comparisons tab here. Again, I will send you more info by email.
Sandy my zip code is 44444 ed b
Looking to start a home business working with tshirt, sport, dance and gymnastic apparel.
Looking at cutters- Roland and Graphtec and KNK. Like what I see but concern about stepper motor to servo motor. Will the KNK work for doing production of orders for small business? Heard I should get a cutter with optical eye and contour cut and overcut feature for rhinestones templates.
I would like to vinyl, decals and stickers to expand business opportunities. Help me sort thru info.
Software wise I don’t have any experience with Corel Draw. Need a program that will be easy to get started.
I have heard of the ASC and Falcon and Eagle. Which will be the right on for a newbie?
We use a Hybrid motor and control system that has Micro Stepper motors. They are much smoother and accurate than standard steppers. Servo systems are most always much faster than Stepper but when you can only cut a said material so fast what is the need to have a system that can exceed a maximum cutting speed of the material. In other words, I have never used our maximum speed to cut anything! So, that doesn’t factor into the decision at all.
If you are planning to do a lot of contour cutting for decals and stickers, then you might want to consider a cutter that has an optic eye for automatic print and cut. Our cutters have a laser light and the print and cut process is a manual one, not automatic. It is very accurate, but takes more time to set up.
Any of our cutters will cut the rhinestone template material… as will the Roland and Graphtec models. With your machines, you do not need Corel Draw. The software that comes with the KNK/ACS models is a fully functional vector graphics program with the ability to design, vectorize, and create rhinestone patterns.
If you’d like to discuss this further, please feel free to email me! I will send this post to your email address, as well.
[...] I do provide a support package for my own customers. You can read about that here: http://www.iloveknk.com/current-specials/ Posted 1 week ago [...]
Sandy, I just found your site and am very excited! I own a Mac and am seeking a way to produce custom cupcake wrappers with it. I would truly appreciate some direction from you regarding what type of machine/cutter I would need to purchase to do this please. I’m a complete novice with this process. I truly appreciate any guidance you can provide to me. Thank you!
Hi Peggy,
Our software is currently Windows based only… which is true of many vector programs. Because of the enormous functionality of our software, I strongly encourage Mac owners to either install an emulator such as Parallels on their Mac, along with a version of Windows OR to find an inexpensive laptop or used computer for use with a Klic-N-Kut machine. You will want something like a KNK because of the production nature of the cupcake wrapper business. Many of the other cutters in the hobby world are not warranted for commercial use… and can even have overheating problems with long hours of cutting. So, think about this and let me know if have other questions! I’m always happy to respond.
Hi Sandy,
I purchased the KnK StudioGE from you in 2010 to use with my SilhouetteSD. Love the software, btw.
Here’s my question. I want to upgrade to the MAXX 24″. Do you think that there could be a discount of the MAXX purchase price since I already have the software and do not need another copy?
Thank you!
Susan
Hi Susan,
KNK Studio GE doesn’t work with the Maxx…only with the 8″ Graphtec cutters: CR, Silh, and WB. However, I can probably help you sell your copy of GE! Let’s write up an ad and get it out there! : ) Please email me at smccauley45@cox.net.
Hi Sandy,
I have a Baby Bug Cricut, it’s a fast go-to. I have a Silhouette (not SD), love it!
I’m sure I want a KNK for heavier projects and to use as a small business, however, not sure which one.
I want to cut my own appliques for quilting, need to cut 50-100 chipboard (medium weight) pieces each day (business), would like to cut my own stencils for sign making (also business).
I love the price of the Zing! But not sure it will cut medium weight chipboard.
Thanks for the help,
Melissa
Chipboard varies from one brand to the next. I strongly advise you to send the chipboard you want to cut to one of the KNK dealers for testing, along with a sample of the images you need to cut and their sizes. It’s important to make sure that what you want to produce is possible with a blade-based digital die cutter versus a laser.
As for fabric and stencils, the KNK’s are perfect for those applications and are successfully being used by small businesses.
Sandy, You are a wealth of information and so willing to share! Thanks up front!!
My questions: I want to be able to cut rhinestone material, fabric, chipboard and vinyl. I would prefer a print and cut feature that is automated. I also would like to be able to engrave now that I know that is a possibility…wow! It would be nice to be able to import my own Ai files into whatever software I use. I also machine embroider and would love something compatible with that as well…to digitize my own stuff would be amazing! My embroidery machine will accept multiple file types. Is there a way to be able to cut fabric to embroider and then outline in rhinestones? I am probably asking dumb questions…obviously that can be done, but what machine and software combo will allow me to do (most if not all) of this? WHEW!
And one more question-I keep reading about 900g pressure, 700g pressure etc…can you tell me what that means? I think it is the downward force of the blade but not sure? Do you know that number for a Cricut Expression?
Ok…thats if for now…thanks sooo much!!! Lori
I meant to say cut fabric to applique (not embroider) and then outline in rhinestones or something similar to an applique piece and just stone around it…
The KNK’s are the perfect machines for what you want to be able to do! I’ll send you more information privately and then you can ask more questions!
I am seeking a system which would allow me to make my designs on a computer, and then transfer it directly to a cutter. My designs are used for glass etching, and rarely measure over 8″. After doing some minor research, I thing the Silhouette (with the MTC software) will meet my needs. Can I use any images with MTC (ie .jpg)?
Sorry for the delay in responding, Dave. I was away at the Denver retreat and I’m still catching up!
With any of the digital die cutters, you’ll need to vectorize raster images, such as .jpg, .bmp, .tif, .png, etc. Fortunately, MTC has one of the best vectorization modules I’ve ever seen! So, you’ll be able to bring in those images and get them converted quite easily.
Vector images, such as .ai, .eps, vector .pdf will import as vectors and be ready to cut.
The Silhouette SD could be difficult to find since Silhouette America has discontinued the model in preparation for a 12″ version (Cameo) coming in October. But I would recommend you consider the Zing instead, as it is far superior in functionality and comes with MTC.
I need to find a reasonable vinyl cutter to cut templates for a new Rhinestone business. I need it to work easy, have enough information and resources for working right from the box. I need to keep expenses down but want something that will work for me. I am a senior trying to supplement my income and something for my children and grandchildren. Any advise will help greatly. Remember i want something easy please!
I will have one of my associates email you with some ideas.
Sandy, very impressed with the information you have here.
Could you tell me if there are any authorized KNK dealers in south central WI (zip code 53566)
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
Brenda
Hi Brenda,
Currently our KNK dealers are all Internet stores. We do expect to have the Zing in some “brick and mortar” stores soon. I’ll make note of your email address and notify you when that happens.
Hi Sandy
I am a paper cut artist and have cut my art by hand- X-acto knife- for many many years. I am interested in buying a machine but don’t know which one. I have limited funds. Under $400. I want the largest cutting surface. Some of my paper cuts are 36 x 84″ though I know I won’t have that kind of option with an inexpensive cutter. I only cut paper or Tyvek so don’t need many material options. The big thing is I use a Mac. I also just want to use my own designs which I get from photos and photoshop them so they become just Black and White shapes. I am looking at a Cameo because of the good price…Can you address some of these issues? (The mac being the deal breaker and also the cost).
Thanks
Julie
Hi Julie! I will send you an email so we can go over some things!
Hi Sandy,
I was trying to order KNK Zing from MTC store, but when the site won’t go pass the shipping method, so I can’t complete the purchase. May i know any other website selling KNK Zing that be able to ship to Singapore?
You will probably need to directly contact the seller at any of the sites that sell the Zing. I know that KNK USA only sells cutters using wire transfer. Being in Singapore, you might want to first try our Australian Zing dealer: http://www.skatkatz.com.au
Hi I recently bought the Silhouette SD, thinking it would do my rhinestone templates. It does but I have to do alot of re-arranging the little circles on designing, and its alot of time consuming. Then when it cuts and im ready to do the rhinstone transfer. I pour the rhinestones on top of the template and brush. The rhinestones DO NOT fall into the holes like it supposed to. So I have to do one by one and by hand. So it seems Im back to square one. Please help!!! I am very frustrated with this machine. I want to get a machine, thats going to design my customizing design, and cut it, and when I pour the rhinsdtones and brush rhinestones they are gonna fall into the hole place. Thanks, Olga in Texas.
Hi Olga,
When doing rhinestone templates, you also need to make the circles a few sizes larger than the nominal stone size in the software. Thus, if you designed your pattern in 10SS, then you actually should use 13SS instead. The people designing these rhinestone add-ons to existing programs have NO CLUE what they are doing. They obviously have done no research about how the process actually works. So, you can either start over and choose 13SS instead or you can resize your existing pattern by about 117% and then your circles will be sized more appropriately.
hi, which machine would you recomeend for cutting felt and fabric? i love doing crafts using felt and fabric. currently i cut all the small shapes and mini alphabets using scissors and boy does it look horrible . i read online most manual die cut machine can only large shapes / alphabet using felt. but also offer conflicting information on whether it can cut felt and fabric at all. so looking forward for a miracle machine and hope its this one..hope to hear from you soon
My mom and I are trying to break in to rhinestone work to compliment her embroidery and quilting. We are looking for the best bet to help us get started. We are looking to do weddings, showers, applique, Tshirts, totes, purses and other items. What would you recommend? Thanks for all the help! Love this question and Answer forum!
Hi Ellis,
Any of the KNK’s are perfect for your application! Check out the photos in the Photo Gallery here. I’ll email you with more info!
Hi Monica,
Any of the KNK’s will cut the template material for making rhinestone patterns. I will email you additional info!